King Frederik X of Denmark and Queen Mary wrapped up a two-day state visit to Estonia on Wednesday, stressing the importance of a strong friendship in unpredictable times.
The Estonian head of state and his spouse, Sirje Karis, welcomed the Danish royal couple on Raekoja plats in Tallinn’s Old Town on Tuesday alongside members of the government.
The heads of state then visited the Memorial to the Victims of Communism in Maarjamäe and lit candles in remembrance of the victims of totalitarian crimes.
Later, they met with Prime Minister Kristen Michal and his wife Evelin Oras at the Knighthood House (Rüütelkonna hoone) on Toompea and with Riigikogu Speaker Lauri Hussar.
Aside from meeting with politicians, the royal couple visited the Rakett 69 science studio and met with members of the HK Unicorn Squad and girls studying robotics and technology.
In the evening, President Alar Karis hosted a state dinner in honor of the Danish royal couple at the Niguliste Church. The dinner was preceded by a formal concert, broadcast live on Klassikaraadio.
On Wednesday, King Frederik X visited the cyber defense training center CR14. Their final engagement was a departure ceremony in the Danish King’s Garden.
Strong friendship in unpredictable times
The king and queen spoke to ETV’s evening news show “Aktuaalne kaamera” at the ceremony on Wednesday morning.
“We are extremely happy to be here in Estonia, we have been so warmly received everywhere we’ve been. I think the most moving [thing] has been the feeling of such a warm and strong relationship that exists between our two countries, and in unpredictable times, it is very important that friendships are strong and that we stand together and are there for one another,” said Queen Mary.
King Fredrik X added the couple had enjoyed their visit to Rackett 69 and praised Estonia for trying to attract young people – particularly girls – to study science and technology.
“It is always fun to be with the youth, and I think the initiative is so cool,” he told the show. “It was so fun to interact with them and try and do something together.”
You can watch the interview in the video clip below.
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